ORIKI

Introduction

Part of the responsibility that follows initiation into Ifa is the development of the ability to align the ori with the Spirit of Ela.

The historical prophet Orunmila was an incarnation of the Spirit of Ela and the align of ori with Ela is known as returning to the time when Orunmila walked the earth. This alignment occurs as aresult of consistent attention to the Ifa discipline of chanting oriki. Ifa makes use of a four day calendar as the basisfor an elaborate prayer cycle that generates a forcefield of good fortune for the awo, the awo’s family andthe larger community. The fundamental pattern in thiscycle is the morning prayer the invocation of Ela everyfour days and collective prayer with the entire Egbe Ifa every eight days. Oriki Ela spoken into a glass of water and thewater is used to first clean the head then is ingested. Ela is Elerin ipin the witness to Creation. It is the Spirit of Ela who gives an awo the ase to invoke Odu and allthe Spirits who manifest through the oral scripture of Ifa.

The invocation of Ela generally comes after extensive praise of Orunmila. The oriki in this volume are spoken in a slowresonant voice and as the student of Ifa becomes familiar with them they are sung. The singing aspect of chanting is usually motivated by Spirit and is an expression of the creativity of the awo. Alignment with the Spirit of Ela is the blessing of Ifa and chanting is the road to that blessing. Ire Awo Falokun FatunmbiEgbe Ifa Ogunti Ode Remo.

ÒRÚNMÌLÀ AJANA(Praise names for the Spirit of Destiny)

Ifá Olókun, A - sorò - dayò, Elérìn-ìpin, IbìkejìÈdùmàrè.The Diviner of the Sea, the one who makes affairsprosper, Witness to Creation, Second to theCreator.

Òrúnmìla ni Baba wa o e, àwa kò ni Oba méjì, Ifá toOba o, Òrúnmìlà ni Baba wa, Ifá to Oba o.Spirit of Destiny is our Father, we have no otherKing, Ifa is sufficient to be our king. Spirit of Destiny is our Father. Ifa is competent enough tobe king.

Ká mò ó ka là, Ká mò ó ká má tètè kú, Amòlà IfèowòdáyéWhom to know is to be saved, Whom to know is tolive a long life The Savior of Ife from the early days.

Okùnrin dúdú òkè Ìgètí, Olúwà mi àmò - imò - tán,Olúmmaàmi Òkítíbìrí. The Black Man of Igeti Hill, the Chief who cannot befully apprehended, The Chief Averter.

Tí npojó ikú dà, a kò mò ó tán iba se, a bá mò ó tánIba se. The charger of the determined day of death, not tohave full knowledge of you is to fail, to have fullknowledge of you is to be successful.

Onílégangan - ajíkí, Àáyán - awo - inú - ibgó,Amáiyégén.The first of the many houses that we praise, Chief diviner of the inner forest, powerful medicine of theearth.

Bara Petu, Baba kékeré Òké Ìgètí, Òrìsà tí ó fi gbogboayé fi ojú orórì sí pátápátá.Father of Ipetu, the small man of Igeti, Spirit whohas influence all over the World. A bi ara ílu bí ajere, Òrìsà tí ngbé nkan òle gún,'Fágúnwà, oko Òkèkú.He, whose body can be shifted into many forms, theSpirit who gives strength to the weak, the husbandof Oyeku. Olómú nlá, a bó'ni má rù, Baba Èsù Òdàrà, Òrì sà tíngba'ni l'ówó eni tí ó ní ìkà nínú.

The big breasted man who feeds all people withoutloosing weight, the Father of the Divine Messengerof Transformation, the Spirit who saves us fromdestruction. Baba akéré - fi - inú - se - ogbón, Òpìtàn Ifè, a fún'nidá.Father of small stature who is filled with wisdom,the Great Historian of Ife, he who makes recreationpossible.

Òdùdù tíí du orí ìl émèrè kí orí ìl émèrè má bà áfó. Savior of the child of Emere.

A tún orí eni tí kò sunwòn se, fónrón òwú kan soso,ajé ju oògùn,He who changes bad luck into good luck, the GreatMystical Thread of Creation, he who manifests moreeffectively than charms.

Ará Ìworàn ní ibi tí ojú rere ti ímó wá, Baba elépopúpò má je àdín.The original man from the place where dawnbreaks, Father and owner of the palm oil that hasno need to eat black oil.

A yó tééré gb'ára sán'lè má fi ara pa, a s'òrò d'ayò.The young one who falls without injury, he whotransforms worry into happiness.

Kí a mò ó kí a là, Oba Aládé Olódù Mérìndínlógún.To know Him is to find salvation, King of the SixteenPrinciples of Creation.

Òrun ló mo eni ti yíó là. Only Heaven know who will be saved.

Onílé orí òkè tí nrí àfòpin eye, s'ayé s'Orun Ìbíní.Owner of a large house that is high enough to seethe limit of the flight of the birds, dweller of earthand Heaven.

A jí pa ojo ikú dà, Baba mi Àgonnìrègún, a tó í fi ara tìbí òkè

He who wards off imminent death, my Father whowe can lean on forever because He is as strong as arock, He is the best person to spend time with.

Ògègé a gbé ayé gún, agírí Ilé Ìl ógbón, àmòì - mò tán.

Light that stabilizes life, Chief of the town of Wisdom, He cannot be fully defined.

Omo àdó baba tí í w'èwù oògùn, Àjànà età tí í mú oríekùn nsè'bo suuru suuru.Father that wears a garment filled with charms,Ajana who sacrificed a lion's head.

Òrìsà oko àjé, Olójombán a rí apá eran sé ogun, aseèyí tí ó sòro íse.Husband of the Mothers, the Chief who conquerswith the medicine of a goat, He who can performthe most difficult task.

Èdú Olójà orìbojo, Oba a tun omo dá bí èwu, Òkunrina tó eyín erin ní fifon.Most respected Black King, King who createswithout effort, the powerful man who creates musicon the tusk of an elephant.

Ikò Ajàláiyé ikò Ajàl òrun.Chief Messenger, the link between the King of theEarth and the King of the Realm of the Ancestors.

Òkítíbìrí, a - pa - ojó - iku - dà. The Great Changer who alters the time of death.

Iríjú Olodumare. The prime minister of the Creator.

Alátunse aiyé.The one who whose function it is to set the worldright.

Ikuforiji. The Being who Death honors.

Oba Olofa asùn l'Ola.The ruler who draws blessings and prosperity afterhim and who sleeps in the midst of honors.

Erintunde.Laughing comes back to the world from the Realmof the Ancestors.

Owá.Being who fills humanity with joy.

Olubesan Olu - li - ibi - esan. The Chief Avenger of Wrongs.

Elà omo Oyígíyìgí Ota Omi Ela. Child of a very hard Stone that is not affected by a cold stream of water. Èlà omo Oyígíyìgí Ota aiku Ela. Child of a mighty immovable rock that shall never die.

Ototo - Ènìyàn. The Perfect One.

Olúwa mi agírí - ilógbón. The Chief of Perfect Wisdom.

Omo ti abi lòkè'tase. The child born on the hill of Itase.

Omo ejo méjì. Child of two serpents.

Akéré f'inú Sogbón. Small person with a mind full of wisdom.

Akóni - lóràn - bí ìyekan - eni. He who gives one wise and brotherly counsel like ones relatives.

Okukuru Ókè Ìgègí. The small man of Igeti Hill.

Bara Àgbonnìrègún. Chief of the sacred coconut palm.

Afedefeyo.

Speaker of all languages.

Gbólájókó. He who sits on honor.

Olúwa mi àmòimòtán. King who knows all.

Ikú dúdú àtéwó, Òrò je'po má pon, Òro a bá ikú j'ìgbò. Black death of the palm, the Mystic who eats lots ofpalm oil and does not turn red, the Mystic whowrestles with death.

Òrun ló mo eni tí yíó là. Only Heaven knows who will be saved.

A - s eayé - seòrun. One who lives on earth and lives in heaven.

Dùndúnké, obinrin o - fidi - han - ni - káso. The robust, viral one who does not refuse a woman's advances.

Eléèí ìpín, ajé - ju - ògùn. One who is the witness of all destiny, one who is more effective than medicine.

Òrúnmilà! Ifá Olokun, Asorandayo. Spirit of Destiny, the owner of the sea, who turns misfortune into joy.

Olóòrérè - àikú, jè - joògùn. One who saves people from death, one more effective than medicine.

Iwolaláwòyè o. It's you who can life to people.

Bá mi wo omo tèmi yè o. Spirit who gives life to my children.

Aji - pa - ojó - iku - dà. One who wakes up and changes the day of death.

ORÍKÌ ÒRÚNMÌLÀ(Greeting the Spirit of Destiny in the Morning)

Olodumare, mo ji loni. Mo wo'gun merin aye. Creator, I greet the new day. I greet the four directions that create the world.

Igun'kini, igun'keji, igun'keta, igun'kerin Olojo oni. The first vulture, the second vulture, the third vulture, the fourth vulture are owners of the day.

Gbogbo ire gbaa tioba wa nile aye. Wa fun mi ni temi. T'aya - t'omo t'egbe - t - ogba, They brought us the good fortune that sustains us on earth. They bring me all things that sustain my spirit,

wa fi yiye wa. Ki of f'ona han wa. Wa fi eni - eleni se temi.With you there is no failure, we praise the road you have created, nothing can block the power of Spirit.

Alaye o alaye o. Afuyegegege meseegbe. Alujonu eniyan ti nf'owo ko le. We praise the Light of the Earth, it sustains the abundance of Creation.

A ni kosi igi meji ninu igbo bi obi. Eyiti o ba ya'ko a ya abidun - dun - dun -dun. Alaye o, alaye o. It brings us the food of the forest. It brings us thesweet things in life. We praise the Light of the Earth, we praise the Light of the Earth.

Ifá wa gbo temi. Esu wa gbo temi. Jeki eni ye mi. Jeki eni ye mi. Jeki eni ye mi. Ifa brings us Spirit, the Divine Messenger brings us Spirit. We praise their blessings.

Ki ola san mi t'aya t'omo t'ibi t'ire lo nrin papo ni'ile aye. Wa jeki aye mi. Kioye mi.

Ase.

We praise the blessings of family and children as well as the creation and destruction that occurs in all corners of the world. They are the blessings of the world, they are my blessings.

May it be so.

* The praise names ofOrunmila may be chanted at the end of any oriki Orunmila in any sequence and in any combination as a way of addingase to the chant.

ADURA ÒRÚNMÌLÀ OLUWA MI AJIKI(Greeting the Ifa Shrine of an elder)

* Clap three times in front ofIfa

Ila ji Òrúnmìlà. Ila ji Òrúnmìlà. Ila ji Òrúnmìlà. Mo jimo ki atola. Mo ki asula. Moki as urunenene. Inaku - ku - ku l'ahere. Enia ku - ku - ku l'aba. Adifa funogojo l'imo ogbojo. O ni 'ti awo yo ogbojo. Ti awo yoogbojo. Nje Oluwa mi ma jeki tire yo o.

The house of Light of the Spirit of Destiny andelders of Heaven cast Ifa for the Spirits worthy of praise on the day they were praising the Creator.

* Ikunleand rub hands together in front of Ifa

Awo ajíkí l'awo ajíkí. Awo ajíkí l'awo ajíkí. Awo ajíkí l'a ipe awo aja - ale - gbun. The Mystery we salute first, the Mystery we salute first, the Mystery we thank first in gratitude for the Messengers of the Mysteries

A da a awon meta nlo bo ori - elu. They all made sacrifice to elevate our consciousness.

Ori - elu ko gb'ebo lowo won. Our sacrifice is for the elevation of consciousness.

Awo ajíkí l'awo ajíkí. Awo ajíkí l'awo ajíkí. Awo ajíkí l'a ipe awo aja-alegbun. The mystery we salute first, the Mystery we salutefirst, the Mystery we thank first in gratitude for theMessengers of the Mysteries.

A da fun iki t'o on yio bo orí - elu. Yio gba ibo l owo on. They praise the elevation of our consciousness.

Iki ji o wewo fini o wewe fini. O wa imu obi o na a si ori – elu. I praise the Mystery, I am guided by head to the inner truth.

Ori - elu gba lowo re. O ni lowo iki eleyinju ege l'a to mi ibo e. It is my head that guides me.

Igbana ni iki m'ekun s'ekun igbe. O m'ohun s'ohun yere nkorin wipe. It is the leopard we praise and it is to the leopard we sing our praise.

Gb'obi pa o! Awo aye! Gb'obi pa o! Awo aye! Ase. Cola guides us to know the Mystery of Earth. May it be so.

ORÍKÌ ÒRÚNMÌLÀ(Praising the Spirit of Destiny)

Òrúnmìlà elérìn-ìpin, Aje ju gún, Ibi keji Olodumare akoko Olókun Spirit of Destiny, Witness to Creation, provider of strong medicine, next to the jewel of the Ocean,

ajao ikoto ara Ado, ara Ewi, ara oke Itase, ara ojumo, Salutations to the native of Ado, native of Ewi, native of the mountain, native of the dawn,

ibiti ojo ti nmo, waiye ara oke l'geti okeje oje. the place where the dawn arrives, the place where the native of Heaven comes to Earth.

Erin fon olagilagi okunrin, ti nmu ara ogidan le, alaketepennepe, The elephant protects us from the disease of man,understanding becomes strong, it forms a calabash of white light,

pari ipin, oloto kan to ku l'aiye, Oba iku ja gba omo re sile,small matters unfold, an honest man may die any time, the Chief who will protect children from the jaw of death,

odudu ti ndu or emere, ma ba fo otun ori ti, ko sun won se. Ase. the power that protects the head from elemental spirits, never becomes less than the head itself, because it is the source of power. May if be so.


Òrúnmìlà, ajomisanra, Agbonniregun, ibi keji Olodumare, Spirit of Destiny, eternal dew and fountain of life, the word and rebounding force, next to the Creator,

Elerin-ipin, Omo ope kan ti nsoro dogi dogi, Witness to Creation, offspring of the eternal palm tree which sparks force,

ara Ado, ara Ewi, ara Igbajo, ara Iresi, ara Ikole, ara Igeti, ara oke Itase, native of Ado, native of Ewi, native of Igbajo, nativeof Iresi, native of Ikole, native of Igeti, native of Itasehill,

ara iwonran ibi ojumo ti nmo waiye, akoko Olokun, oro ajo epo ma pon, native of the East, generator of the sea, stainless mystic,

olago lagi okunrin ti nmu ara ogidan le, o ba iku ja gba omo e sile, most powerful who bestows youthful vitality, he who rescues children from the wrath of death,

Odudu ti ndu ori emere, o tun ori ti ko sunwon se, the Great Savior who saves youth, he reclaims the lost ones,

Òrúnmìlà ajiki, Òrúnmìlà ajike, Òrúnmìlà aji fi oro rere lo. Ase. Spirit of Destiny, worthy of morning supplications,Spirit of Destiny, worthy of morning praise, Spirit ofDestiny, worthy of prayers for the good things inlife. May it be so.


Òrúnmìlà, Bara Agboniregun, Spirit of Destiny, the word and rebounding force,

adese omilese a - mo - ku - Ikuforiji Olijeni Oba - Olofa – Asunlola nini - omo - Oloni Olubesan, We call you by your names of power.

Erintunde Edu Ab'ikujigbo alajogun igbo - Oba – igede para petu opitan -elufe, amoranmowe da ara re Òrúnmìlà. Iwo li o ko oyinbo l'ona odudupasa.Power is reborn to defend against the powers of death and destruction, The power of Transformation is with the Spirit of Destiny, There are no strangerson the road of Mystery.

A ki igb'ogun l'ajule Orun da ara Òrúnmìlà. A ki if'agba Merindinlogun sile k'a sina. We praise the medicine of the Forest that comes from the Invisible Realm of the Immortals through the Spirit of Destiny. We praise the sixteen sacredprinciples of the Creator.

Ma ja, ma ro Elerin Ipin ibikeji Edumare. F'onahan 'ni Òrúnmìlà. I call on the Witness to Creation, second to the Creator. My road to salvation is the Spirit of Destiny.

Iburu, Iboye, Ibose. Ase. Take my burden from the earth and offer it to Heaven. May it be so.


Alápànkoko, awo mà ju awo lo. Alapankoko, one diviner is more powerful than another.

Awo lé gbáwo mi toritori. One diviner can swallow another completely.

Odíderé fò ó gori irókò, The parrot flies to the top of the iroko tree,

O fi ohùn jo agogo, and its voice is like an iron gong,

Ló se Ifá fún Ifákóredé. Divining for Ifakorede,

Arèmo Olódùnmarè, omo até - eni tán kó tó fi ori se agbeji ara,

The son first of the Creator, who protects his body with his large head.

O ni e bá mi so fún Alára; e pé mo rire. He said; Please inform Alara I have met with good fortune.

O ni e bá mi so fún Ajerò e pé mo rire. Inform Ajero; tell him I have met with good fortune.

O ni e bá mi so fún Owáràn - gún àga; epé mo rire. Inform Owanrangun owner of the royal chair; say I have met with good fortune.

Ire to sonu, ire de. Ire to sonu, ire de. Ire to sonu, ire de. The lost fortune is back again. (3x's)

Bi iré bá wole, e jé ki a na suúru si.

If good fortune enters the house, let us be calm in handling it.

Bi inú bá le lále jù, ire ó wogbo. If we are quick tempered or impatient, good fortune will enter the jungle.

Agbo yaya! Àárin omom ni ma sùn. The joyful! The crowd! I shall die in the midst of a crowd of children.

Mo gbó pòrò làléde; omo weere wá bá mi hesàn.

I heard the dropping of star apples, children come round and pick up apples for me.

Ológbò - ji - gòlò awo! Awo! Lile awo. The sneaking cat society. The powerful society.

Olómi àjípon yaya ni Igódó. Owner of Igodo spring water people wake up early to fetch.

Awo ló se oká, awo ló se erè. It is the diviners who make the cobra powerless, it is the diviners who make the boa powerless.

Awo ló se ekùn lajin. Awo náà reé, awo, awo. Lile awo. Ase. It is the diviners who made the tiger powerless in the dead of night. It is the diviners, the dangerous diviners. May it be so.


Òrun ló mo eni ti yíó là. A - seayé - seòrun. Only Heaven know who will be saved.

Dúndúnké, Eléèrí ipin, ajé - ju - ògun. The robust, viral one. One who is the witness to all destiny, one who is more powerful than medicine.

Òrúnmìlà! Ifá Olokun, asorandayo, Olóòr´ré - àikú, jè - joògùn. Orunmila, Ifá, the owner of the sea, who turns misfortune into joy. One who saves people from death, on more effective than medicine.

Iwo laláwòyè o; Bá mi wo omo tèmi yé o. Òrúnmìlà Agbonnìregùn! It is you who can give life to people; Give life to my own children. Spirit of Destiny!

Njínjí la kífá. Kùtùkùtù la ki Òrisà. Òsán gangan la ki Elégbára. It is in the early morning we worship Ifa. It is in the early morning we worship Orisa. It is in the afternoon that we worship the Divine Messenger.

Mo ji mo ki Ogidi o, Ogidi o ma jíre. Olegbe, Ifá omi à sàn o. I wake up and worship Ogidi. Ogidi good morning.

Arútú regbò, Egbá Irèsì, awo Oro. Ajé, wolé mí, olà, jókòó tì mío. One who boils with rage on his way to Egba bush, the powerful Oro society. Wealth, enter my house; honor sit down with me.

Ki lo nje l'Ótù Ifè o? Eran ògèdè ni Ifá nje l'Ótù Ifé o. Eran ògèdè. What does Ifá eat in Ife? Ifa eats bananas in Ife. Bananas.

Òrúnmìlà Àgbonnìrègún, eléèrí ìpín, Ají - pa - o jó - ikú - dà. Spirit of Destiny, the witness of human destiny, One who wakes up and changes the death date of others.

Obírítí, ète kò tán òràn. Òrúnmìlà pèlé o, olóore àjí - Kí.The orbit, intention does not settle any matter. Spirit of Destiny, I hail you, the kindhearted one who is worshipped every morning.

Asolásá tíí já okùn ikú. Egboro ni ide, afínjú olójà tíi wo èwù nini. Spirit of destiny who breaks the fetters of death. Owner of brass ornaments, the royal one who is neat and wears gorgeous cloths.

Egboro ní ide, afinjú olójà tíí wo èwù nini. Olóore àjí - kí, so lójò, eni lérò. Owner of brass ornaments, the royal one who wearsgorgeous cloths. The kind one who bears fruit in the rainy season, thoughtful one.

Èlà pèlé o. Èlà jí. Èlà wo? Èlà wo nì mbè? Èlà omo Oyigi. Spirit of Purity, I call you. Spirit of Purity am I praying? Spirit of Purity, son of the Stone.

Òrúnmìlà Agbo, ótó géé kí o wáá gbé mí. Bóodélé bá mi ki bábá; Bóodéle bá mi kí yèyè. Spirit of Destiny bless me. When you get home,commend me to father; when you get home commend me to mother.

Bóodélé bá mi ki Olókun àjetì ayé. Bà mí kí Òsàràrà omi alèIfè.

Commend me to the Spirit of the Ocean who lives in abundance. Commend me to Sarara, the river of Ife.

Bóodélé bá mí kí Ogbùrùgbùdù, omi ilé Ijero, omi Atan.Commend me to Ogburugbudu, the river of Ijero and the river of Atan.

Akókonìjìkó ni wón fíí gbé, kí o mówó ìwàrà mi kò mí. The whirlwind was used in carrying away Ife in the old days.

Òrúnmìlà o wáá tó géé, kí o mówó ìwàrà mí kò mí. Spirit of Destiny it is time to bring me abundance.

Ireè mí gbogbo ni wàrà ni wàrà. Ase. Bring me all forms of good fortune quickly. May it be so.

ORÍKÌ ADIMU ÒRÚNMÌLÀ(Praising the offering to Spirit of Destiny)

Ifá mo pé, Èla mo pé. Ifá sowo dèèrè gbobi re o, sowódèèrè. Ifa I call on you, Spirit of Purity I call on you. Ifa stretch your hands to accept my kola nut offerings.

Iyé, iyé okò, iyé l'Òrunmìlà nje. Eku méjì oluwéré, eja méjì òlùgbàlà l óbé. Ifa eats termite powder. Two rats, two fishes in his soup.

Iyé l'Òrunmìlà nje. Ifá fun wa l ómo si. Jé ki a tún lè wá sìn ó bàyìí l' odun miran. Jé ki a lówó, ki a bimoo. Ki ile wa yìí ki a tún ko dáadáa. Ase.Ifa eates termite power. Ifa give us more children. Protect us so that we may gather here next year to worship you. Ifa, let us prosper and have more children. Let us rebuild our houses in a more attractive way. May it be so.

KIKI IFÁ(Chanting in Praise of the Wisdom of Nature)

Eye kan an fo lere mi, lere mi, o f'apa otun ba'le, O re

gbongbongbon bi oko. A bird twirls all over me, touching the ground with her right wing, and sounding as does the hoe when struck.

Eye kan an ba lere mi, lere mi, o f'apa otun ba'le, o re gbongbongbon bi ada. The bird then perches on me, tapping the ground with her right wing, and sounding with the strength of a cutlass.

Bi alaworo - Òrìsà ba ji, a f'ada Òrìsà no'le, a ni "Òrìsà, e ji tabe o ji!" When the chanter - priestess rises at dawn, she taps the earth with the Spirits cutlass saying."Spirits, I want to know if you are awake and attentive on this day!"

Baba lo sun ni ko ji. With no evidence that his attention is here, Father maintains a sleep state.

Jiji ni ki o ji o, mo - Kun - Otan l'Eri. So we must beg you to grant us your attention, Father, you who are known as Mokun - Otan atEri.

Jiji ni ki o ji, Mosun nile Ilawe. We plead that you give us your attention, you who are called Mosun at Ilawe Town.

Jiji ni ki o ji o, ojiji alaoonini.

We ask that you lend us your attention, you electric fish with everlasting calm complexion.

Baba ni bi oun ko ba ji nke? "Suppose I show you no sign of wakefulness?" says Father

Mo: "bi isekuse ba se gbogbo eye oko ni ji." I say; "That once Isekuse crows the birds at the farm are arosed."

Bi Ojiji ba parada lodo. The same thing happens to the electric fish once it swirls in the sea.

Gbogbo eja omi ni ji. All the fishes are electrified into action.

Baba ni bi oun ba ji bi oun ko ba koju nko?

Father said; "Suppose wakefulness is shown but without keen attention?

Mo ni: "asuigbo ki koju si'ibo." I say; "When when excreting in the bush a person faces not towards the bush.

Asuodan ki koyin s'ona. When excreting in the bush one faces the path.

Bi ewe otiti ba tu, oju Olodumare ni nkojusi? And it is known that when the otiti plant explodes into bloom, it turns to the Creator, does it not?

Baba ni bi oun ba ji bi oun ko rerin nko? Father says; "Suppose I grant you my attention butwithout a grin that indicates I am giving withdelight?"

Mo ni: "rerin, mo ni erin la rin fonna oti." I say; "You must give with delight. For one thing, weare all cheers and delight when preparing the hearth brew.

Erin lagbara nrin k'Olodo lona. For another delight is what the water torrent exudes, racing to discharge into the river. Baba ni; "bi oun ba rerin, bi ko tan ninu oun nko?" Father says; "Now suppose I am all smiles, while at the same time I feel displeasure?

Mo ni: "bi ase ba mu omi, a tan nnu ase."

I say; "But it should be recalled that whenever spiritual power, the filter is given water, it retainsno part of it whatsoever."

Bi igere ba mu omi, a tan nnu igere. The same applies to the igere trap, dipped in and then lifted from water, it retains not a drop.

B'alaworo - Osa ba maa soro lodun. The praise chanter of the Spirits expresses the same idea on the eve of the annual festival.

Bi o ba ranse p'Onigbajamo, a fa irun ori re tan porogodo. He talks to the barber he makes sure his head is cleared of all hair and shaved clean.

Odun ko jeran mimi. Certainly the Spirit of Iron will not accept a rotten meat offering.

Ija ko jeran ikase. Just as the Spirit of the Warrior cannot be served unclean flesh.

O tori Olalekun, Ominikun, Atatabiakun, Erin - ko - yipada - kun?

Now, may I invoke tranquility with Olalekun,Ominikun, Atatabiakun,and Erin - ko - seeyipada - kun?

Abata kunkunkun ko tan lehin okun. Forever jun, hun and kun underscore the other side of the sea.

Amonato, amonasegaara - de - Fe, Gburu agba.

You who straightens our path, you who put a curvein our path, you who ensures that the highway is kept unobstructed all the way to Ife.

Ilu meji gedegede. Respect to the open - ended drum.

Ilu gedegede lo tegun - n'lu Respect to the two untranslatable drum beats.

Oba lo teyin erin nfon Only a King can use the trumpet made of an elephant tusk.

A daa f'Òrúnmìlà, Baba nsawo r'ode Ominikun, ni ibi ti gbogbo won ngbe se'fa. Ifa divination was cast for the Spirit of Destiny, when Father was going to the city that wasfamed for tranquility, where all were working on theIfa tray associated with offending Ifa.

Ifá bi mo ba se e, ki o mase fi'binu gb'eku. So if I have offended you, please do not demand mouse for a sacrifice.

Ifá fi fereji ni o fereji, bi ara ode Ominikun.

Instead, Ifa grant me unconditional remission, as you did for the people of the town of tranquility.

Ifá bi mo ba se e, ki o mase fi'binu gb'eja. Ifa if I have offended you, please do not demand fish for a sacrifice.

Fifereji ni o fereji, bi ara ode Ominikun. instead, grant me complete remission, as you did for the people of the town of tranquility.

Ifá bi mo ba se o, ki o mase fi'binu gb'eye. Ifa if I have offended you, please do not demand a bird offering.

Fifereji ni o fereji, bi ara ode Ominikun. Instead, grant me absolution, as you did the people of the town of tranquility.

Ifá bi mo ba se e, ki o mase fi'ran gb'eran. Ifa if I have offended you, please do not demand meat as a punishment.

Fifereji ni o fereji, bi ara ode Ominikun. Instead grant me total remission, as you did the people of the town of tranquility.

Ifá bi mo ba se e, ki o mase fi iran gba ototo ohun. Ifa if I have offended you, please do not demand material things.

Fifereji ni o fereji, bi ara ode Ominikun. Instead, grant me forgiveness, as you did the people of the town of tranquility.

Bi a ba jeko a darij'ewe. When we eat the eko porridge, we forgive the leaf wrapper.

Ferejin mi o, bi ara ode Ominikun. Grant me forgiveness, as you did the people of the town of tranquility.

Oba Alade Feejin mi, Oba Alaferejin. Ase. Forgive me great King, the forgiving King. May it be so.

ORÍKÌ ELA(Invocation for possession by the Spirit of Destiny)

Ela omo osin. Ela Omo Oyigiyigi ota omi.

Spirit of Manifestation, child of the Ruler. Spirit of Manifestation, child of the offspring of the Stone in the Water.

Awa di oyigiyigi. A ki o ku wa. We ourselves become manifestation. The stone that birthed the Spirit of Manifestation will never die.

Ela ro a ki o ku mo, okiribiti. Ela ro (Sokale) Orunko Ifá.The Spirit of Manifestation has descended to Earth, we die no more. This is the name we give to Destiny.

Entiti ngba ni l'a. Nwon se ebo Ela fun mi . He is the one who saved us. We have made sacrifice to the Spirit of Manifestation.

Ko t'ina, ko to ro. He is of no substance. He is too small to be thought of.

Beni on (Ela) ni gba ni la n'Ife, Oba - a - mola. Yet He delivered the Immortals from all trouble, the Chief for whom to know is to be saved.

Ela, Omo Osin mo wari o! Ela meji, mo wari o.

The Spirit of Manifestation, Son of the Ruler, I praise you. The Spirit of Manifestation, the Spirit of Manifestation, I praise you.

Ela mo yin boru. Ela mo yin boye. Ela mo yin bosise.

Spirit of Manifestation praise the sacrifice that opens the way. Spirit of Manifestation praise the sacrifice that brings life. Spirit of Manifestation praise the sacrifice that proceeds work.

Ela poke. Eni esi so wa soro odun. Odun ko wo wa sodun.The Spirit of Manifestation has appeared. The friend has returned for this year's festival. The celebration returns.

Iroko oko. Iroko oko. Iroko oko. I come Iroko oko. I come Iroko oko. I come Iroko oko.

Odun oni si ko. Ela poke. Ela ro. Ela ro. Ela ro, ko wa gbu're. The celebration has returned. The Spirit of Manifestation has appeared. Holy Spirit descend.Holy Spirit descend. Holy Spirit descend, prayers toaccept.

Ela takun wa o. Ela ro o. Eti ire re. Ela takun ko wa gbu're. Holy Spirit with string descend. Holy Spirit descend.Be the ears of our prayers. Holy Spirit with string descend to accept our prayers.

Enu ire re. Ela takun ko gbure. Oju ire re. Hear the lips of our prayers. Holy Spirit with string descend to accept our prayers. Hear the eyes of our prayers.

Ela takun ko wa gbu're. Ela ma dawo aje waro. Ela ma d'ese aje waro. Holy Spirit with string descend to accept our prayers. Holy Spirit with lips of blessing embrace us. Mighty Spirit with lips of blessing embrace us.

Atikan Sikun ki oni ikere yo ikere. From door to door remove the hinges.

Ipenpe'ju ni si'lekun fun ekun agada ni si'ekun fun eje. He who removes the hinges opens the eyelids for tears.

Ogunda'sa, iwo ni o nsilekun fun Ejerindilogun Irunmole. The Spirit of Iron, the Spirit of Wind, the Spirit who opens the door for the Immortals.

Ela panumo panumo. Ela panuba panuba. Holy Spirit resounding. Holy Spirit rebounding.

Ayan ile ni awo egbe ile, ekolo rogodo ni awo ominile. Near the crack in the wall where the elders meet, Peace ascended to Heaven and did not return.

Eriwo lo sorun ko do mo. O ni ki a ke si Odi awo Odi.

Upon blockade the Priest for Flockade is called to Earth. He asked us to call upon the Priest of Peace.

O ni ki a ke si Ero awo Ero. O ni ki a ke si Egún osusu abaya babamba. Upon the shrub thorns he asked us to call. Upon the Blockade we call the Priest of the Blockade.

A ke si Ero awo Ero, ke si Egún o susu abaya babamba a ni eriwo lo si Orun ko de mo, won ni ki Ela roibale. Upon the thick shrubbry thorns we call, to Heaven calmly ascend. Holy Spirit descend.

Ela ni on ko ri ibi ti on yio ro si o ni iwaju on egun. The Peace of the Holy Spirit said; "I have nowhere to descend."

Eyin on osusu agbedem 'nji on egun osusu, awo fa ma je ki'iwaju Ela gun mori on tolu. I find the front filled with thorns, I find the rear and the middle filled with thorns.

Òrúnmìlà ma jeki eyin Ela gun mosi Olokarembe Òrúnmìlà ma jeki agbedemeje la gun Osusu. The humans appealed to the Spirit of Destiny to pray to the Great Spirit of Manifestation.

Ela ro. Ifá ko je ki iwaju re se dundun more on tolu. Holy Spirit descend. Remove the thorns from the front and rear.

Ela ro. Ifá ko jeki eyin re se worowo. Holy Spirit descend. Remove the thorns from the middle.

Ela ro. Ela ni 'waju o di Odundun. Holy Spirit descend. At the front place of Peace, the Holy Spirit becomes manifest.

Ela ni eyin o di Tete. Ela ni agbedemeji o di worowo. Ase. At the rear place of Peace, the Holy Spirit becomes manifest. At the middle place of Peace, the Holy Spirit becomes manifest. May it be so.


Ifá rò wá o. Èlà rò wá o o. Bí ò n be lápá òkun.

Ifa please descend, Spirit of purity pleae be present. If you are at the ocean please come.

Kó rò moo bo. Bí ò n be ní wánrán oojúmo. Ase. If you are in mid lagoon, please come. Even if you are at wanran in the east, please come. May it be so.


Ifá ló l'òní, Ifá ló l'Òla, Ifá ló l’òtounla pèlú è. Ifa is master of today, Ifa is master of tomorrow, Ifa is master of the day after tomorrow.

Òrúnmìlà lo nijó mérèèrin òòsá dá'áyé. The Spirit of Destiny is the master of the four days created by the divinities.

Èlà mo yìn burú, Èlà mo yìn boyè, Èlà mo yìn bosise. Spirit of Purity I praise the offering that opens theway, that brings satisfaction and that works on my behalf.

Èla rò. Èla rò. Èla rò. Spirit of Purity descend, Spirit of Purity descend, Spirit of Purity descend. Mo júbà o, mo júbà o, mo júbà o. I praise you, I praise you, I praise you.

Òrúnmìlà mo pè. Òrúnmìlà mo pè. Òrúnmìlà mo pè. Spirit of destiny I call you. Spirit of destiny I call you. Spirit of destiny I call you.

Ifá mo pè. Ifá mo pè. Ifá mo pè. Ifa I call you. Ifa I call you. Ifa I call you.

Ifá ji o Òrúnmìlà, bí olo l'oko, ki o wá lé o, bí olo l'odo, dí o wá lé o. Ifa awake. Spirit of Destiny if you go the farm youshould come home, If you go to the river you shouldcome home.

Bí o lo l'ode, kí o wá lé o. Mo júbà o. Mo júbà o. Mo

júbà o. Ase. If you go the hunt, you should come home. Homage, homage, homage. May it be so.

IFÁIYABLE(Re-affirmation of Belief)

S'òtító s'òdodo; soore má s'èkà. Òtító a b'ònà tóóro.Be truthful, be righteous, do good and not wickedness. Truth the traveler on the narrow path.

Òsìkà a b'ònà gbara, s'òtító s'òdodo; s'òtító s'òdodo; eni s'òtító ni'malè ngbè. Ase. Wickedness the traveler on the broad path. Be truthful, be righteous. May it be so.

IFÁIYABLE(Re-affirmation of Belief)

Ìwòrì - tejumo - ohun - ti - i - se - 'nl bí o ba te'fá kí o tún iyé inu retè.

Iwori - stare - at - what - affects - us; if you are initiated into Ifá, please renew your inner thought.

Awo, má fi èjá igbá gun òpe. Awo má fi àìmowè wo omi, Adept, do not use a tattered rope to climg the palm tree,

Awo, má ìbínú yo Òbe, awo, má fi ma sán bànté awo. Ase. adept, do not pull out a kife in anger, adept, do not wear the apron of an adept. May it be so.

ALAFIA OPON(Greeting the Tray)

Iwaju opon o gbo o. Eyin opon o gbo. May the head of the tray listen. May the circle of the tray listen.

Olumu otun, Olokanran osi, aarin opon ita Orun. Ase. Spirits of understanding to the right, Spirits of propehcy to the left. The middle of the tray is thecrossroad of Heaven. May it be so.

ORÍKÌ IKIN(Praising the Sacred Fruit of the Tree of Life)

Cover the Ikin with both hands Òrúnmìlà o gbo o. Òrúnmìlà iwo 'awo. Spirit of Destiny listen. Spirit of Destiny reveal the Mysteries.

Oun awo. Owo yi awo. Illuminate the Mysteries. Bless us with the mystery of abundance.

Emi nikansoso l'ogberi. A ki'fa agba Merindinlogun sile k'asina. Spirit that creates perfect harmony. Show us the wisdom of the sixteen principles that mold theEarth.

Elerin Ipin f'ona han mi. Ase. Witness to Creation reveal yourself to me. May it be so.

ORÍKÌ IFÁ(Praising the Wisdom of Nature to open Divination )

Òrúnmìlà Eleri - ipin ibikeji Olodumare. Spirit of Destiny, Witness to Creation, second only to the Creator.

A - je - je - ogun obiriti - a - p'ijo - iku sa. He who has the medicine to overcome Death.

Oluwa mi amoimotan - a ko mo o tan ko se. The Creator who knows everything that we do no know.

A ba mo o tan iba se ke. If we had known everything there would be no suffering.

Oluwa mi Olowa aiyere omo Elesin Ile - Oyin. The Creator of Good Things on the Earth, Son of the Owner of the House that is made of honey.

Omo ol'ope kan t'o s'an an dogi - dogi. Son of the owner of the tree that always stands firm.

Oluwa mi opoki a - mu - ide - s 'oju ekan ko je k'ehun hora asaka - saka akun. The Creator Opokoi who put the gold chain ofprotection in his eyes so that the finger of the lionwould not scratch and make a rash.

Omo Oso - ginni t apa ti ni - ewu nini. Son of Oso-ginni from the Tapa tribe where everyone dresses in fine cloths the Owner of Egunwho walks on stilts.

Omo Oso pa'de mowo pa'de mese o mbere at epa oje.

Oso's son who put beads on his wrist and ankles, the gold chain of Oje.

Oluwa mi igbo omo iyan birikiti inu odo. The Creator, Spirit of the Bush, Son of the Round Powdered Yam in the Mortar.

Omo igba ti ns'ope jiajia. Son of the Calabash who created many palm trees.

Iku dudu at ewo Oro aj'epo ma pon. The wise Ancestor with a wordly hand who eats palm oil that is not ripe.

Agiri ile - ilobon a - b'Olowu diwere ma ran. Agiri from the House of Wisdom with plenty of small cotton seeds that never spread.

Oluwa mi a - to - iba - jaiye Oro a - b'iku - j'igbo. Creator it is good living on Earth even with the Spirit of Death lurking in the bush.

Oluwa mi Ajiki ogege a - gb'aiye - gun. Creator we go to greet you in the morning with Ogege who lives to make Peace on Earth.

Odudu ti idu ori emere o tun ori ti ko sain se. The person whose Spirit defends those who die at birth re-shapes bad heads.

Omo el'ejo ti nrin mirin - mirin lori ewe. Son of the sanke who moves serenely along the top of the leaves.

Omo arin ti irin ode - owo saka - saka. Son of the Grinder who rules with a clean hand.

Òrúnmìlà a boru, Òrúnmìlà a boye, Òrúnmìlà a bosise. Ase. I beg the Spirit of Destiny to lift your burden from the earth and offer it to Heaven. May it be so.

ADURA ATI IJUBA(Praising the elders in support of divination)

Ìbà luwo, ìbà jugbona, ìbà Akoda, ìbà Aseda, ìbà Arabaegbe Ifá Ogun ti Ode Remo, ìbà baba, ìbà yeye, ìbàyeye baba. A juba enikan kode enikan ku. Ase.

FIFO IKIN(Greeting the Ikin Prior to divination)

* Place the listed number of Ikin in the left hand Erun Osi. Five Ikin (Present to the left side of the tray) Erun Ora. Five Ikin (Present to the right side of the tray) Eta Egutan. Three Ikin (Present to the top of the tray) Eji Ereye. Two Ikin (Present to the bottom of the tray) Eniti o ba fin idan. One ikin (Present to the middle of the tray)

ORIN IKIN(Song for marking Odu)

Call; Ejiogbe a buru a boye akala o.Response; A akala, a akala o.Call; Oyeku meji a buru a boye akala o.Response; A akala, a akala o.· Call the Odu in sequence until all eight marks are on the tray

ORIKI IFÁ(Praising the Divination set)

Ifá ji - o Òrúnmìlà. Bi olo l - oko, ki o wa le o. Ifa awake oh Spirit of Destiny. If you are going to the farm, you should return home.

Bi olo l - lodo, ki o wa le - o. If you are going to the river, you should return home. Bi olo l - ode, ki o wa le - o. If you are going on the hunt, you should return home.

* Place the bowl of ikin on the ground to the left. Mo fi ese re te - le bayi. I take your foot and press the ground like this. * Place the bowl on the mat. Mo fi ese re te ori eni bayi, mo gbe o ka l-ori eni ki o le gbe mi ka l - ori eni titi lai. I take your foot and press the top of the mat, I carry you to sit on the mat so you can carry me to sit on the mat.

* Place the bowl on the tray. Mo gbe o ka l - ori opon Ifá ki o le gbe mi ka l - ori opon Ifá titi lai. I carry you to sit on Ifa's tray so that you can carry me to sit on Ifa's tray forever.

* Draw a line around the bowl clockwise. Mo ko - le yi o ka ki o le ko - le, yi me ka ki o le jeki omo yi mi ka ki o le jeki owo yi mi ka. I build a house around you so you can build ahouse around me so you can let children surroundme so that you can let money surround me.

* Erase the line with a feather. Mo juba - o, mo juba - o. Iba se, iba se, iba se. I give respect, I give respect. I give praise, I give praise, I give praise.

Sprinkle iyerosun on the floor. Ile mo juba, iba se. Earth, I give you respect and praise.

* Mark a line from the center to the top of the tray. Mo la ona fun tororo ki o le la ona fun mi tororo ki o le jeki omo to ona yi wa s - odo mi ki o le jeki owo t o ona yi wa s - odo mi. I open a straight road for you so you can open astraight road for me so you can let my children takethis road to my presence so you can let money takethis road to my presence.

* Stir the Iyerosun on the floor with a feather. Mo se il e bayi. I do this on the ground.

* Stir the iyerosun tray. Mo se opon bayi. I do this on the tray.

* Tap on the tray. A - gun s e - o a - gun se. Bi akoko g - ori igi a se, a - gun se - o, a - gun se. To climb and chatter, to climb and chatter. If theWest African gery woodpecker mounts the top of thetree it will chatter, to climb and chatter, to climband chatter.

Bi agbe ji a ma s e, a - gun se - o, a - gun se. If the agbe bird awakes to climb and chatter, to climb and chatter, to climb and chatter.

Bi aluko ji a ma se, a - gun se - o, a - gun se. If the woodpecker awakes it will chatter, to climb and chatter, to climb and chatter.

(Invocation for Forgiveness) * Asking that no offering be requested when the diviner is doing personal divination. Òrúnmìlà mo pe, Òrúnmìlà mo pe, Òrúnmìlà mo pe. Spirit of Destiny I am greeting you, Spirit of DestinyI am greeting you, Spirit of Destiny I am greetingyou.

Ifå mo pe, Ifá mo pe, Ifá mo pe. Wisdom of Nature I am greeting you, Wisdom ofNature I am greeting you, Wisdom of Nature I amgreeting you.

Oduduwa mo pe, Oduduwa mo pe, Oduduwa mo pe. Father of our People I am greeting you, Father of our People I am greeting you, Father of our People I am greeting you.

Igi nla subu wonakankan d'etu. Òrúnmìlà ni o di adariji. The light that proceeds appeasment. Spirit of Destiny relieve me of my obligation.

Mo ni o di adariji. O ni bi Oya ba pa ni tan. I ask that you relieve me of my obligation. It is the Spirit of the Wind who lights the way.

A ki i, a sa a, a f'ake eran fun u. A dariji o ni bi Sango ba pa ni tan. I pray that you do not demand an offering of meat.Please relieve my obligation so that the Spirit ofLightning can light the way.

A ki i, a sa, a f'agbo fun u. A dariji, o ni bi Ògún ba pa ni tan. I pray that the ring of dancers will bless me. Pleaserelieve my obligation so that the Spirit of Iron canlight the light the way.

A ki i, a sa a, a f'aja fun u. I pray that the dog will bless us.

A dariji, Oduduwa dariji wa bi a ti ndariji awon ti o se wa. Ase. Please relieve my obligation, please relieve my obligation. May it be so.

ORÍKÌ F'ODÙ MÍMÓ(Praising the Odu Pot)

Omodé òf'ojú b'Odù lasan; Àgbà ò f'ojú b'Odù ní òfé; Little children do not see odu free of charge; Old people do not see Odu without paying a fee;

Eni t'o ba f'ojú b'Odú yóó sì d 'awo. A díá fún Òràngún, Ilé Ilà, He who sees Odù will become an Ifá priest. Ifa was cast for Orangun of Ila.

tí ó gbàlejò láti Òde Ìdan. Wón ní b'ó bá f'ojú b'àlejò, Who would recieve a visitor from the city of Idan. He was told that when he saw the visitors,

orin ni kí ó máa ko.he should start singing;

Orin A f'ojú b'Odù, a ríre ò. A f'ojù b 'Odù, a ríre.Àwá mà mà kúkú f'ojú b'Odù. A ò kú mó.A f'ojú b'Odù, a ríre. Àború àboyè, àbosise.We have seen Odu. We have seen good fortune.We have seen Odu, We have found good fortune.We have certainly seen Odu, we shall not die.We have seen Odu, we have found good fortune.

Yoruba Pronunciation

There are twenty-five letters in the Yoruba language, seven vowels and eighteen consonants. The vowels are A E E I O O U. The marks under the letters E and O create different sounds from the letters E and O, without the marks. Any mark under a Yoruba means you add an H sound to the letter. Marks are found under E, O and S.

The Yoruba alphabet with English words that have the same sound or intonations. A (ah) Sounds like the A in Ark B (bee) Sounds like the B in Bee D (dee) Sounds like the D in Deal E (ay) Sounds like the E in Eight E(eh) Sounds like the E in Egg F (fee) Sounds like the F in Feel G (gi) Sounds like the G in Give GB No English equivalent H (hee)

Sounds like the H in Hill I (ee) Sounds like the I in Bee J (gee) Sounds like the J in Jeep K (kee) Sounds like the K in Keep L (lee) Sounds like the L in Leaf M (mee) Sounds like the M in Milk N (nee) Sounds like the N in Nil O (aw) Sounds like the O in Odd O(oh) Sounds like the O in Oh P (pi) Sounds like the P in Pit R (ree) Sounds like the R in Read S (cee) Sounds like the S in Sea S(Sh) Sounds like the S in Sheep T (tee) Sounds like the T in Tea U (oo) Sounds like the U in You W (we) Sounds like the W in We Y (yee) Sounds like the Y in Yield Yoruba language is tonal meaning the relative pitch of letters effects the meaning of the word. There are three basic tones used in Yoruba that be described as do re mi or the first three notes of the tempered scale. Normal speaking voice would bere an accent slanting from left to right would bemi and an accent slanting from right to left is do.

ORIKI

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Transcript of ORIKI